Carnegie Mellon plans new robotics center at Hazelwood Green

Carnegie Mellon University is looking to build a new robotics center at the Hazelwood Green site in Pittsburgh.

Plans for the robotics center were presented to Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission on Tuesday.

The center would include a 150,000-square-foot research building with a two-story enclosure for testing on robots and drones and a 1½-acre outdoor laboratory, said Bob Reppe, the university’s architect.

“It really is intended to be a space where robotics research is done, especially robotics research that may not fit on campus,” Reppe said.

The school already is leasing space at Hazelwood Green’s Mill 19 building, but this would mark the first new building the university would construct at the site.

The building and outdoor laboratory space are designed to provide researchers ample space to conduct various tests and experiments. The outdoor space would include an agricultural zone and areas to test robots in mud, rocky terrains or other environments.

The fenced-in area also would include two public viewing areas where people will be able to “see what’s happening in that area and watch the robots at work,” Reppe said.

It would be a spot to “showcase all the great research work to the greater Hazelwood community,” said Jennifer Askey of Pittsburgh-based firm Perkins Eastman.

Reppe said Carnegie Mellon hopes to begin construction late this summer and open the new robotics center in May 2025. The university did not say how much the project is expected to cost.

“This definitely speaks to our fantasies about robotics,” Planning Commissioner Becky Mingo said, adding that she thought the center could inspire children from the surrounding area to learn about robotics and encourage them to consider careers in the field.

David R. Brewton, senior director of real estate for the Hazelwood Initiative, said the community development organization is “encouraged by CMU’s extensive outreach” to the community and willingness to ensure the project benefits residents who live in the area.

“Whether it be jobs, training or generating business for Hazelwood restaurants and entrepreneurs, CMU is extending its hand in partnership,” Brewton said. “Making mutually beneficial connections between Hazelwood and our region’s leading universities holds great promise. The community is ready to step up and take full advantage of these new resources and possibilities.”

Councilwoman Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield, who represents the area, said Carnegie Mellon has been “really great working with the community” as its development proposal advances.

“I’m excited to see it being built,” she said. “I think it’ll be a great addition.”

The Planning Commission is expected to vote on the proposed development at its next meeting in two weeks.